A WOMAN suffered a broken hip when she was pushed to the ground in a street mugging.

The 78-year-old victim was walking along Longshaw Road, Parkwood, Maidstone, at about 2.20pm on Wednesday when three teenage boys knocked her to the ground and snatched her handbag.

She was taken to Maidstone Hospital following the incident. Shortly afterwards police arrested a 14-year-old, a 15-year-old and a 17-year-old.

One remains in custody while the other two have been bailed pending further inquiries.

Det Insp Derek Cuff said: "Incidents like this are extremely rare in Parkwood, and in the Maidstone and Malling area generally.

"The quick arrests show that we will not tolerate this sort of criminal activity and anti-social behaviour in our local communities.

"We would be grateful for any information that could aid our investigation, from people who were in the area at the time."

Those with details should contact Kent Police in Maidstone and Malling on 01622 604181, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 – this call is free and confidential.